History of The Norfolk Library Children's Room

Children of the Norfolk Library did not always enjoy the luxuries that we take for granted today. When the Library was built, there was no children’s room. Later, as children began to be allowed to use the building, what is now the Reference Room was used as space for children’s materials. During the 1950’s, children were permitted to borrow only two books at a time. Co-Director, Robin Yuran, recalls with a smile that, “I got special permission to check out five when I was five, because I lived so far out of town.”

The children soon outgrew their room, so plans to upgrade were made. The Smith Children's Room opened in 1985. Its construction was made possible through the generous donations of Abel I. Smith and many members of the Norfolk community. Alec Frost, architect, designed the addition to be in keeping with the original structure. A most serendipitous event was the discovery, by members of the building committee, that stone from the quarry which provided the material for the original building was still available, 100 years later. It was given to the library by the town of East Longmeadow, Massachussetts.

In 1988, The Norfolk Library’s first children’s librarian joined the staff. Eileen Fitzgibbons was a valuable resource and helped to bring the Children’s collection and programming series to the wonderful level that it reaches today. She continues to hold story hours, children’s reading programs, and the famous after school program “Cornerclub”. Today the Norfolk Library is a place for children learn to love reading and make it a part of their lives even at the youngest of ages.